Lha (deity)

Lha (also called Lahen in the literature of the 18th and 19th centuries ) are a class of divine beings in the mythology of Bon , who prefer to live in the heavenly world of Lhayül .

The Lha are friendly towards people, but punish them if they violate the rules or perform rituals incorrectly . The most important Lha are the so-called "Four Great Blessed", which are thought to be eternal and are each assigned to a direction. At its head is the primordial mother Satrig Ersang , who usually appears in the form of the loving mother Chamma and is considered the goddess of wisdom. The cardinal direction assigned to her is the east, and her throne is surrounded by lions in images. The first male deity is Shenlha Wökar , who is also considered the god of wisdom and is assigned to the north. His throne is carried by two elephants. Sango Bumtri is the creator of the universe, ruler of the existing world age and master of all living beings, who is therefore particularly revered. His direction is the West, his throne will be two Khyung supported -Vögeln. Tönpa Shenrab , who is said to have received his knowledge from Shenlha Wökar, is considered the deified teacher of the current age . The south is assigned to him.

literature

• Per Kværne : The Bon religion of Tibet: The iconography of a living tradition . Shambhala, 2001, ISBN 978-1-57062-186-4

Web links

• Manfred Kremser and Veronica Futterknecht: Introduction to religion and consciousness research. The spectrum of religions: Bon in Tibet
• The "Four Great Blessed" in Himalayan style